I need to clean a pond out, its around 5ft wide and 2 ft deep, there's no fish in it so that's not a issue. Obviously i need to get all the water out first but want to know the best products to clean it with after... it's pretty mucky! Thanks

Im no pond expert, but there could be other stuff living in it, so bear that in mind.

what stuff?... crocodiles? :)
it needs draining and cleaning just want some advice with that please

Best thing to do imho (Jabberwocky might be able advise better!) is to drain and then take out some of the muck using shovel - put this into a trug or something near the pond to allow the wildlife to crawl back into the pond (once refilled). Leave some of the mud / muck in the pond (a couple of inches) as this is good for the pond. Place any plants you want plant in. Then refill with fresh water and leave to settle - if you are then putting fish in get some conditioner from a garden centre

Finally the muck you took out of the pond put it in your compost!

that's very helpful thanks you very much :)

hi, why is it dirty ? Have you got oxygenating plants in it ?

its just been left for a few years, also can i just put certain plants back inthat will help with that or do i need a pump?

I think you only need a pump if you want to keep fish. My pond is about a year and a half old and the water is crystal clear - I've got tonnes of oxygenating plants and they really do the job.

Another tip I was given is that if you introduce duck weed (the little tiny bits of green that float on the surface) they prevent the light getting through and so helps prevent algae. Allegedly :cool:

Anyway, I've just pulled out about half of my weed, to make way for this years growth, but I'm sure I can spare some if you'd like some ? My lottie is at Meersbrook.

Thank you but the pond is in full shade so not sure it's needed.
I can have fish without a pump though can't I, with the right plants?

well yes you can have fish without a pump but you have to get the correct plants in the pond ive seen a few large ponds crystal clear on only plants.
ive spent thousands on nexus filters air stones uv lights and much more and ive still had trouble with my pond :(
pain in the ass ponds if you ask me but worth it in the summer sitting looking at it with a tinni :)

oh and try a jet wash to clean it out :)
good luck.

my advice give this company a ring
http://www.aquatic-care.co.uk/index.html

I think you only need a pump if you want to keep fish. My pond is about a year and a half old and the water is crystal clear - I've got tonnes of oxygenating plants and they really do the job.

Another tip I was given is that if you introduce duck weed (the little tiny bits of green that float on the surface) they prevent the light getting through and so helps prevent algae. Allegedly :cool:

Anyway, I've just pulled out about half of my weed, to make way for this years growth, but I'm sure I can spare some if you'd like some ? My lottie is at Meersbrook.

Hi mc - I think you and I spoke on the forum last year. I've just found out I've got an allotment at Meersbrook - and it has a pond. Obviously it's been neglected for years - do you have any tips on how to clear it out and what I should do to keep it 'alive' My mum says she can give me some frogspawn in the spring .... do I just plonk it in?

Thanks in advance.

Hi Sam, advice I've been given is NOT to transfer frogspawn from other ponds, something to do with viruses. But I really wouldn't worry, I think the frogs will discover your pond as soon as the mating season gets into full swing (not long now :o).

If the water is black / sludgey and smells bad, then you might need to think about completely emptying it and getting rid of the slime and sludge (:gag:)